Prime Minister has broken promise to local people, says Tony Lloyd

Theresa May has broken her promise to protect policing from further cuts, Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has said.

The Government has revealed how much local policing will receive from central government in 2017/18.

The overall money allocated to police forces across the UK is £56m less than was promised by Government ministers last year. While it is not yet known the full implications of this cut for Greater Manchester, we do know savings of at least £22m need to be found next year.

Mr Lloyd said: “Yet again, ministers have failed to safeguard our streets and homes. The Prime Minister promised to invest in our policing service, when the reality is very different. The government’s irresponsible actions, shaving yet more money from local policing, puts added pressure on an already stretched police service that is facing rising crime and increasing demand.”

Since 2010, £180m has been axed from GMP’s budget and there are 2,000 fewer officers patrolling our streets. But crime continues to rise, with officers dealing with more complex and challenging issues such as child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and cybercrime. Cuts to other public services also add additional pressure.

Greater Manchester Police’s government grant will be cut by £5.7m next year.